If you believe a debt does not belong to you or the amount is incorrect, you can send a dispute letter to the debt collector. In your letter:

• Explain why the debt is incorrect.
• Include any supporting evidence, such as payment records or contracts.

If you are unsure whether you owe the debt, you can first send a validation letter requesting proof of the debt.

Once you dispute a debt, the debt collector must investigate. If they cannot verify that the debt is valid:

• They must stop collection efforts.
• They must remove the debt from your credit report.
• They must mark the debt as disputed on your credit report while the investigation is ongoing.

You can use the Easy Form at Illinois Legal Aid Online to create a letter disputing your debt.